Ross Township Criminal Defense Lawyer

Trusted Criminal Defense Attorney in Ross Township, PA

Being charged with a crime can be an overwhelming and terrifying ordeal to find yourself in. It’s understandable to be confused about your next steps and even be completely unaware of what you can do to protect or defend yourself. It’s vital that you get yourself a lawyer as soon as you can, and you start working on a solid defense strategy built on facts and evidence. To assist in your defense, you should consult with a Ross Township criminal defense lawyer immediately.

The legal team at Levenson Law Firm understands the difficulties that come with a criminal defense case. Pennsylvania’s criminal defense laws can be difficult to navigate on your own without professional legal help. A Ross Township criminal defense attorney’s help can end up being invaluable to your situation. Amy B. Levenson Jones has over 20 years of experience litigating criminal cases and helping clients who are facing severe life-altering charges.

Potential Defenses Against Criminal Charges

There were 1,465 criminal sentences in Pennsylvania in 2023, and there are 38,900 inmates in state prisons. As of 2024, the crime rate in Pennsylvania is 246 violent crimes per 100,000 people, which is over 30% lower than the national average. The last thing you want to become is another crime statistic, and the way to avoid that is by building a strong defense for yourself.

If you are charged with a crime in Ross Township, your case will likely be handled by the Allegheny County Court System. Your preliminary hearing will occur at your local Magisterial District Court, while your formal trial will happen at the Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas in nearby Pittsburgh. It’s vital that you have a lawyer during these proceedings.

To start, you should hire a criminal defense lawyer to provide you with options, help gather evidence, and represent your interests throughout your case. Here are some potential defense strategies:

• Self-defense. If you are charged with a violent crime like assault, one of the most common defenses is claiming self-defense. Pennsylvania state law allows individuals to use reasonable force to defend themselves if they believe they are in immediate danger or to protect others. Claiming self-defense is much easier if you can obtain video footage of the incident or acquire witness statements that support your version of events.
• Entrapment. Proving entrapment can be difficult but effective. In an entrapment situation, law enforcement officers essentially trick a person into committing a crime that they would otherwise have never committed. It puts the blame on the police for causing the situation to happen in the first place. You will need substantial evidence against the police to prove entrapment.
• Insanity. One potential defense you can attempt is pleading insanity. In an insanity plea, you need to prove that you have a mental illness or mental defect that prevented you from understanding that the actions you took were wrong. You will need a diagnosis from a mental health professional. Pennsylvania has strict laws that focus on cognitive insanity rather than just having a mental illness.
• Lack of intent. It’s the prosecution’s job to build an effective case against you. They need to prove your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, and proving intent is a significant part of that. If your lawyer can prove that the actions you took were accidental or that you never intended to commit a crime, that can introduce reasonable doubt into the case. That could be enough to result in a verdict in your favor or get the charges dropped.
• Constitutional violations. Never forget that you are innocent until proven guilty and that you are afforded certain constitutional rights. If your rights are violated in any way during the investigation or during your arrest, that could be enough to get the charges dropped. Your lawyer could look into your initial arrest, which may have been illegal.

FAQs

Is It Worth It to Hire a Criminal Defense Attorney?

Yes, it is generally worth it to hire a criminal defense attorney. Regardless of whether you are facing misdemeanor or felony charges, a conviction will stay on your record forever. It will follow you when you apply for jobs or housing, and it can even impact your personal relationships. You should do whatever you can to prevent a conviction, and that starts with hiring experienced legal counsel to oversee your case.

What Shouldn’t I Tell My Defense Attorney?

There is nothing you shouldn’t tell your defense attorney. They need to know all of the facts of your case in order to represent you properly. They can’t do their job right if you are withholding anything from them, especially your own guilt. Your lawyer is bound by the attorney-client privilege and cannot share anything you tell them with the police. Be honest with your attorney, don’t share anything on social media, and let your attorney speak on your behalf.

What Should I Do If I’m Arrested?

The very first thing you should do when you are arrested is stop talking. You have the right to remain silent, and you should use it. The police are counting on you implicating yourself in the alleged crime. Say nothing and ask for your lawyer. As soon as you can, call a lawyer and let them speak to the police on your behalf.

Will My Case Go to Trial?

There’s no telling whether your case will go to trial. Not every criminal case is decided by a judge and jury. Many cases are resolved through negotiations, plea agreements, dismissals, and alternative resolutions. It’s still important that your lawyer prepare your case as if it were to go to trial, just in case that does happen.

Hire a Criminal Defense Lawyer in Ross Township, PA Today

Hiring the right lawyer can be the most important decision of your entire case. It’s always important to have someone leading your team who knows what they’re doing. At Levenson Law Firm, our Ross Township criminal defense attorney can bring experience, dedication, and knowledge to your case. Contact us to speak with a member of our team.